Toyota Tacoma 2005+

88toylc

demoncleaner,

My truck is an automatic. Lacking the guts to deviate from "recommended", I'm running the 91 octane. My early gas mileage is nothing to write home about. For instance, I calculated mileage after my second fill-up and it was just 16.4 miles per gallon for stricly "in town" driving. I'm hoping and expecting the mileage will improve as the car gets broken in, although I live in a mountainous area and much of my driving is up or down fairly significant grades.

Oil changes are recommended every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

ab_20

Does anyone know when the tacomas will be in full production?

eldenslack

I think they are in full production now. The Fremont, CA plant started building on Sept. 20. There are supposed to be 140,000 built there this model year. A plant in Mexico is supposed to start production of 30,000 more in the coming months.

If my assumption that the last 6 numbers in the VIN increment by one for every Tacoma built, there are at least 16,998 of them already done. That is the biggest number I have come across in searching for Tacomas on the web.

426hemi1

i_luv_toyota,
  All of the Connecticut dealers are a bunch of arrogant, stuck up unknowledgeable clerks who have no idea how to do real business. I tried to buy a Sequoia from Stamford and the dopey clerk and GM told me I would never get the price I wanted. I bought the truck one week later (from NY) for exactly 300 over invoice.
   I did the same thing you did and went to see the truck in person at Stamford before I started to get serious about buying. The sales guy was nice enough (although clueless) and tried to even get me a price on the truck. The sales manager came over and gave me the same dopey spiel about I would never get the price I wanted on this "ultra rare" vehicle. Needless to say, one week later I had an 05 Black DC long bed for over 2k off sticker. That was from more than one NY dealer. Do yourself a favor and stay clear of Stamford!!!!

stephen1

The access cab I was referring to was a 2wd w/TRD. MSRP $26493
I would expect to get this vehicle for $2000-2500 off sticker (around 24k)although I'm not interested in this particular one. So if you got your 4x4 for around 26k, I'd say we're in the same ballpark.

Options on the one I saw:

TRD #2 $ 4405

Port installed options:

Extra mile "B" $ 712
nightvision mirror 265
vehicle shield 349
wheel locks 68
window tint 149

pisces

I am looking for companies that offer accessories for the 2005 Tacoma. Could you suggest any web sites. Planning on customizing the interior of my Taco and I am looking for: leather seats & door panel inserts, dash trim kits, dash cover, steering wheel covers, carpet, hard tonneau cover
(fiberglass or plastic - not vinyl), chrome rocker panels, chrome fuel filler cap, chrome hood grill,
etc.
Thanks, Taco AL

tacofan4life

Kelly Blue Book now has 05 Tacoma invoice pricing on their website!!

www.kbb.com

Finally!!!

purestock

It's a start but it is incomplete (lists `04 colors) and part is incorrect (forces you to order Convenience Pkg #1 with TRD even though it is already included in TRD. Like I said it's a start but needs more work.

carguy27

invoice pricing is avail on cars.com. easiest site to use thus far.

dreasdad

See if Classic Soft Trim has an office in your area for the leather, they are a lot better inquality and service than any comp

xsacta

I have an '03 Taco EXT Cab V6 auto TRD,loaded. I'd brought it in for it's 20K service 2 weeks ago. While I was waiting I strolled over to the showroom and there sat an '05 DBL Cab TRD long bed and I was sold. It looked great in silver just like the '03, but I wanted white this time around. White proved to be a rarity around here. I found one and bought it. I paid $1400 under msrp. Yeah,I know...I could've done better but I wanted it quick and didn't have the time or will to fight it out all day. It's a DBL Cab 4X4 L/B V6 Auto with (PK)TRD Sport Package #2 with options DZ,Z1, and CJ. MSRP was $30,321. I feel that I've stepped up in every way compared to the '03.The only thing that I gave up was the rear locker. The ride is better. The comfort is improved as are the seats. I didn't have a problem with the seats in the '03 but the '05s lumbar supports fit me better. The rear seats are reasonably comfortable for people under 6ft. The angled backs are a real plus. The rears also fold forward and have a rigid plastic back that serves as a platform. This is great feature for me. I thought it would be great for my dog, and it is but with one catch. The dog will slide back and it's legs will fall into the storage area. I just stuffed two old pillows into them and the problem was solved. There are endless storage compartments in the truck. Very handy. Performance seems to be very good within the limits of relatively gentle break-in driving. The auto tranny is super smooth through the gears. This might not seem like a big deal. It is to me because my '03 shifted very hard{Toyota said it was a firm shift and was normal(?)) and I truly hated it.It really irked me. The '05 has a good grip on the road with very little body roll through the turns. Parking it has been a challenge in tight spaces because of it's length and the large turning radius. I'll adjust eventually. I'll also adjust to the clock being in a place where it can be seen! I still find myself looking around the steering wheel for it as I had to in the '03. So far I'm very happy with truck in just about every way.

 There are a few *buts*

 There's a bit more wind noise evident at highway speeds than I'm used to. Not a big deal but...

 There's a bit more engine noise in the cabin than I'd expect in a 30K vehicle.It should be quieter. It's a truck so I can live with it but...

Here's the big but. If I'm acclerating up a hill or just in general where the RPMs go over 2000 I hear an engine tick. After the RPMs flatten out where the engine is not under load the tick goes away. At 485 miles I'm a bit concerned. It's not a clattering tick, but it's noticeable. It sounds like it could be a small exaust leak or maybe a valve. The dealer confirmed that he heard it too. The sevice department said that it might be noisy fuel injectors and that the '04 4Runner had a similar issue. It goes into sevice on Thursday for diagnosis. I'll post the results.

stephen1

xsacta,
Thanks for the feedback on your new truck. Details like that are nice to know when others are shopping for a truck. I, too, agree that the wind/engine noise is a bit more than I'd like to see. I'm leaning towards this being my next truck but I want to see what the '05 Frontier is like in a month or two. Toyota would make the choice much easier if they eased the price a bit. My dealer still has the first three '05 Tacomas that he received. It's not like people are lining up to buy them - where I live anyway.

Anyone...
Does the TRD sport sit lower (truck to ground) than the TRD offroad?

spleck

I think the TRD Sport and Offroad sit at the same level as without the TRD packages. Toyota lists running ground clearance for the truck without a package, and doesn't note anything additional with the TRD options.

demoncleaner

They sit the same height. Actaully I've driven both Off Road and Sport models and found little difference in the ride. Basically you get a fully locking rear on Off road and limited slip rear on Sport. You also have an annoying, no use hood scoop and mathching bumpers and mirrors with sport. Living in hilly, twisty, then snowy roads (occasionally off-road). It was a tough call for me, but I went with the Dcab short box Sport model with the manual. Limited slip is always "on", Locker no doubt is best traction, but but only under 5 mph. I'll be putting on snow tires on steel rims for the winter months as the 17" Duelers are not good in snow. She should be here in a couple weeks.

motownusa

I think the front of the Tacoma should look like the current 4Runner which I think looks very nice. Why does the Taco looks so different from the 4Runner? While the powertrain of the Taco is great, they could improve upon the exterior look.

eldenslack

I noticed the same engine tick on the first day with my double cab short bed. Two other people have reported the same sound on another web site. I will greatly appreciate hearing what the service people say.

I like the idea of putting pillows in the storage holes. Thanks for passing that along. I am thinking of velcro-ing a piece of carpet to the back of the seat to make it less slippery for my dog to sit there.

Love the truck. Its everything I hoped it would be so far.

spleck

The locker can only be _engaged_ under 5mph. After that you're good to go. I would say the LSD is a better choice for snowy roads though. The VSC/TRAC would probably be almost as good for people with the Off-Road. While your truck is still new, check around and you'll probably find someone with an Off-Road or a regular willing to trade hoods with you.

I don't see why they don't just have a single TRD package with a lockable LSD or a Torsen.

jbone

I believe this is the same v6 as in the 4runner, Consumer reports indicated that this v6 was "less reliable" than the v8 available (as rated by problems reported by reader surveys).

Haven't heard of any "fixes" yet.

Here is a link that also mentions the ticking in the 4runner...

http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic317921.htm

hyperformance

i don't get the prices being paid, when i bought my '02 dcab i ordered it, settled on 19k and some change for the price (2% over invoice per edmunds pricing) when the truck arrived the window sticker listed MSRP at 24,600. if that's the case why is everyone just getting apprx 2k of MSRP on the '05s? or maybe i'm just getting my numbers from my '02 deal confused.

i'm not sure i understand the '05 rear diff. in the TRD (offroad) pckg you get a locking diff, but when it's not locked it's an open a diff and not a limited slip? is it still an electronic switch to lock it? the Sport pckg gets a limited slip but it's not lockable via the driver? it that right? i though my '02 had a lockable limited slip, i could be wrong.

has anybody had any problems from '05 aside from the reverse in manual trans and the ticking from the engine under load conditions?

xsacta

I was near another dealer yesterday and stopped in to test drive what was basically the same truck as my '05 but with the short bed. Same results. The engine also ticks during acceleration over 2000 RPM, although quieter than mine. Therefore,I'm prepared for the service department to give me the pat Toyota line *it's normal*. I took a look at the exhaust system and I have a hunch that the design of the manifolds and the pipes is what's amplifying valvetrain operation under the increased pressures during acceleration. If my assumption is correct then it's not a situation that would cause damage. I could be wrong. We'll see. Either way, I really love this truck. Total pleasure. However, if it turns out that this is an across the board issue with this vehicle with this engine, I have to question how Toyota would launch this new platform with such an obvious and potentially irritating flaw. It's a bit mystifying. I had a rebuilt engine put into my '86 Toy pickup. If it had an engine tick when I picked it up it would've gone back until it was fixed or I'd be refunded or I'd be in court. I won't be going that route with this situation but I will have put this on the record with a trip to the service department. I suggest that if the are any others who are bothered with this condition they do the same. Maybe Toyota will issue a fix if the number of complaints are great enough. Then both you and I won't have to listen to a ticking engine in a brand spanking new 30K midsized pickup truck! An update tomorrow after it's back from service. That's if it's back?

spleck

Has anyone had their 05 in for an oil change yet? Is there a possibility that the factory fill is thinner than normal? Try dumping the oil and going for something that doesn't foam and coats well. The factory fill may be loaded with some extras that's making the ticking audible.

Also, are you running Premium or regular unleaded? Run it down and get a fill of good 93 octane and see if that makes a difference.

quixotico67

Does anyone know how the 2005 Tacoma TRD SPORT model performs off road? I understand the suspension is tuned for the street, so can it still hang in for 4-wheelin'? I'm looking at the double cab longbed which doesn't come with the TRD Off road package. I'd appreciate any feedback.

stephen1

Had a similar ticking sound on my 2000 chevy p/u from day one. At times it too sounded like a small exhaust leak. Dealer could not help. Never did get it fixed. Some other boards/posts thought they had located the source of noise - some metal shielding around the exhaust manifold that was amplifying exhaust and/or valve noise and resonating itself. I just lived with it until I traded it in but it still bugged me that I had to listen to it. Of course I could only hear it with the radio off but still....

hyperformance

"... patented toyota line 'it's normal'..." how true.

i told myself i won't buy another toyota after hearing that so much, but, the new '05s look so good... i have to have one

carfun

Hello All,

I'm seriously looking at a 2005 Double cab Tacoma and I have some ride/suspension questions. I'm wondering how the ride will differ from the Sport Package, Off-Road Package and SR5 package. Since I don't tow or off-road much my main concern is a smooth ride. Of the previous suspensions which will offer the best city/hwy ride? What would be second best? Any package I should avoid? I was leaning towards the SR5 but was not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chad

eldenslack

Hi Chad,

You will probably have to test drive each of them to see if you find a difference. I test drove a TRD Sport and bought a TRD Offroad. I don't find much difference between them. Both are smooth and quiet on the highway (for a truck). Highway driving to work has been a joy. Comfortable and quiet with good acceleration and braking when needed.

I find the visibility all the way around the double cab to be great. I removed the rear headrests so they are not in the way. I just have to watch out for those short sports cars that don't make it above the door handles :-)

bart465

If it's a sound that starts at a certain lower RPM and stops at another higher RPM, I bet you that it's the heat shield on the exhaust cross-over tube behind the engine. My T-100 got a “vibration/noise" after 50K miles that bugged me for months. The vibration had actually started a small crack in the sheet metal shielding. The Fix: a 5-6" hose clamp was wrapped around the exhaust pipe and its "attached" shielding. I just had to make it tight enough to stop the vibration. These are big V-6s that inherently are out of balance. Sometimes they will show it only at certain RPMs. Hope this Helps.
PS: I want one of these trucks!

hyperformance

i drove a Dcab Prerunner TRD sport last night. very nice truck, all the difference in the world compared to my '02. these trucks are much more refined than previuos gererations. dealership didn't want to deal though, they wanted sticker price on the truck and to give me a low trade value. after 1 hour of negotiation they basiclly wanted my '02 and 8grand + tax, doc fee, snake oil, ect. they say the trucks are rare and there is high demand. i'll buy the rarity part (there are only 8 Dcabs in this city so far) but these trucks aren't selling around here, i'll try again in few weeks

sigsauer

please post how much over inv that you paid for and who is the dealer (no links needed). i'm closest to elmore toyota in westminster, ca and those guys over there are on crack thinking that a normal person will pay sticker for the trucks. i'm planning to pay cash for mine but definitely will not be any thing close to sticker. maybe 500 over inv is a reasonable price for me since i do want to keep the dealers in business longer in case i want to have some place to drop by to test drive the newer models in the future.

sjrceme

I have two questions:

1. If you order the off road package with the locking differential (OG), when the differential is not locked, is it a limited slip or open differential. (I have read that it is an open differential) and,

2. If you order the VF option (with the OG option) as follows:

(VF) VSC w/DAC: Includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), automatic limited slip differential and downhill assist control (DAC). REQUIRES OG or PT or SJ or SN.

Would this mean that you have a limited slip differential (with VSC,TRAC and DAC))that is then lockable (on the rear axle)when you choose to.

I am confused about just what is offered.

Thanks

adam1

i think the two big differences between the sport and off-road are that the O.R. has a locking differental and the sport has a limited slip along with the cosmetic and a litle bit softer suspension but it should be just as capable off road they both have the same ground clreance and such

xsacta

It's no surprise to me, having dealt with Toyota service regarding certain other behavioral annoyances with my '03 Tacoma, that they'd conclude that the ticking sound eminating from the engine during acceleration was found to be *normal*. In fact they said "normal resonance sound from vehicle...within factory spec". I do not agree. If anything, the design of the exhaust system is not dampening out the normal mechanical noise generated by the valvetrain during the rigors of acceleration. It's a moot point really. There's no fix available and at this point there's clearly no incentive for one this early on. So I'll live with it. To Toyota's credit, they've conditioned me well. I'm not nearly as angry about this issue as I had been with the '03 mainly because I know it'll go nowhere. Bravo Toyota. Fool me twice, shame on me. I'd still urge anyone that is bothered by the ticking to complain at your first service appointment. Be sure that the complaint is entered into the record. WE owners of this first year vehicle are entitled to the fix that the second year vehicle will most likely receive. If enough '05 owners register this complaint it might warrant a TSB from Toyota. I'm not one to trade in my vehicles. I don't like getting creamed on the trade-in value offered by dealers so I sell privately. I wonder how I'll explain to a prospective buyer, or that buyer's mechanic, that the engine tick they're hearing is *normal* ? I wonder how well that will go. I'd rather not think about that right now.

  Otherwise, it's a great truck. Looks great. Drives great. Great.

xsacta

maxpowers413

I've been reading on this post since day 1 and finally picked up Dbl cab,prerunner,trd sport,in silver,had dealer add skid plate on front, for grand total of $26,600 out the door.kind of expensive but couldn't wait and received it as graduation gift.very happy and haven't found any major problems.it rides just like my 2000 Avalon which is pretty smooth.mileage is pretty good with an average of 20 mpg.i'm using 91 but the user manual states "87" is fine.i have 1500 miles on it already and gas prices are killing me. trying to park in tight spaces is pretty tedious. no blind spots when driving.looking for running boards,bed extender, and fiberglass bed cover, dealers price are $500.00 for running boards, anyone know a cheaper alternative please let me know.

spleck

The "Automatic LSD" you get with the VSC package is a brake modulated limited slip differential. The Sport package has a real mechanical differential.

The Auto-LSD basically uses the brakes to slow a spinning wheel and direct torque back to a wheel with traction.

tcant

Has anyone driven the '05 Tacoma with a 4 cylinder engine? I'd like to know your impression. I'm trying to decide between a 6 or a 4 and I can't find any dealer in the CT area that has a 4. I don't do any towing or carry heavy loads so the 4 may be enough for me. I also don't like the idea of buying 91 octane! Dealer told me that the '05 four isn't a "new" engine just a redesigned head. Anyone heard different?

quixotico67

Does anyone know how fast you can go with the locking differential engaged? Is it only engaged in 4-Low, or can you keep it engaged at higher speeds in 4-Hi or 2-WD? ('05 Tacoma TRD Off-road)

Thanks. -Andy

i_luv_toyota

I live in Connecticut too and have yet to see a single 4-cylinder model myself. I went to 3 dealers in Stamford, Middletown and Wallingford, and they all had V6 TRD Sport 4x4 models.

Maybe production hasn't fully ramped-up yet to allow 4-cylinders to enter the market.

If I spot a 4-cylinder Taco, I will be sure to tell you, as well where I saw it.

jbone

tcant, a number of car/truck sites have all said the 4cyl is a new engine not just new heads. This includes the Edmunds Editor who reviewed the Taco:
"On the low end, an all-new 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine replaces both the 2.4-liter and 2.7-liter engines used previously. Producing 164 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque, the new 2.7 offers a significant boost in horsepower."

I am in W. MA and also looking at the 4cyl for the same reasons, plus I just can't see spending over 25K on a pickup truck since I will be using it for some mild work duties and wheelin.

There is one bare bones 05 4cyl Acab 4x4 Impulse Red with a stick at my local dealer (approx 21400 MSRP) but I have not had a chance to drive it yet, but when I do I will let you know...Also an 05 4cyl Acab with an auto tranny in so. VT.

spleck

This is something that should be in the owner's manual if anyone has it. My guess is that you can go as fast as you want with the locker engaged, but beware of driving on asphalt and other good traction surfaces. Since its electronic, there may be some kind of auto-disengage over a certain speed.

spleck

The website and other sources fluctuated until release, but officially the Tacoma only needs 87 octane. Like many current vehicles, its designed to maximize performance at higher octane, but adjusts timing to run on 87 octane (at lower peak HP/torque). Unfortunately, this may be related to the slight pinging some people are complaining about, but that Toyota is saying is normal and not damaging.

mrjjgittes

I just test drove a double cab V6 4x4 short bed. Nice truck. But too expensive for me. I'm in no rush, maybe dealers will get looser as they get more inventory. I did hear a bit of a ticking sound from the engine, however. I have seen this referenced in postings either here, or on another site. I am not sure if the sound would bother me. Also, I have to say that I liked the fabric in the truck with the off road package that I drove. The other basic fabric did not do anything for me. A little too velour-ish. Still, overall, if the prices come down about $3k, this could be my next vehicle for sure.

saddaddy

On models prior to 05 the truck had to be in 4lo and under 5mph to engage. After that, it can be driven at any speed as long as it is in 4lo (i think). A simple mod to the xfer case would allow engagement of locker in any xfer case setting. When not engaged, trucks with the locker have an OPEN differential, not an LSD.

carguy27

looks like u must have got your truck for just above invoice, that is if your sport package is with towing. i aslo assume that u included tax, title and license in the out the door price of $26,600. where in the country did you purchase your truck from?

bdub13

I just bought a 2005 Tacoma Access Cab V6 package "SF" (non TRD) Pre-runner Saturday night. The dealer told me that they filled the tank with 87 octane. I have yet to hear this ticking sound everybody is talking about. I love the horsepower of this V6. It sure moves. All around awesome truck.

byteme_808

I see a lot of '05 DC Tacos being offered without the side curtain airbags. Does anyone know if this option can be installed by the dealer or is this a factor installed item, only?

gearhead1

I test drove a automatic double cab prerunner today. Since reading this forum, I was looking to hear this ticking sound mentioned previously. I did not hear anything other than what I would describe as normal engine noise and nothing I would describe as ticking above 2000 rpms. Hope this helps someone.

That aside, I love this truck. this is a major advance for toyota. The ride was a most excellent smooth one. The interior was great. I don't like the regular bucket seats, but the sport seats are very nice. I'm looking for a manual trd off road or sports package 4x4/with tow. the dealer was pretty attached to MSRP price, but I didn't get down and gritty with them since they didn't have what I wanted anyway. I'm at least looking for 2,000 off MSRP.

steine13

I'm 99% sure that it is a factory item.
I'm 100% sure that it is a factory item on any car that I will ever buy... it's one thing to hang air conditioning in a car, but air bags? No way.
-Mathias

stringbender

I have a Colorado 2wd crew 3.5 and average 20 - 22 mpg city and 23- 25 hwy but even with all the leg room that I have and great mpg I am thinking about trading in on the 05 Tacoma.
I am getting tired of the loud engine noise and rough ride and rattles and squeeks. I test drove a acess cab with a 4 cyc and 5 speed manual and it was so much quieter and smoother than the Colorado that to get the mpg I might step down to the 4 cyc. engine. The only thing that bothers me about the 4 cyc is that the engine has been redesigned. My colorado still has some engine and ac noises that the mechanics can't fix due to being a "new design". Would like to hear from Taco owners with the 4 cyc and 5 spd to get real world mpg rating and towing capabilitys

stringbender

I did drive a acess cab with a 4 cyc and 5 spd and I was impressed by the acceleration that it had. It had a quite and comfortable ride and with the mpg ratings of 21/27 and a msrp under 20k I am considering it instead of the V6. I am still waiting more feed back from people that own and drive the Tacomas with the 4 cyc to see what the real world ratings are as far as mpgs and towing.

ecotrklvr

I too just drove a 2.7L Access Cab with the 5-speed. A quick drive, and no hills to really test it with, but it impressed me as being more than adequate power with 2 aboard. I'm also taken with the fact that it matches the HP rating of some 3L V-6 cars I've owned, a with 2 less cylinders and only 300cc's less displacement. 2.7L is a BIG 4-banger. (VVT-i is a great thing, too). It was also a smooth, jiggle-free and (relatively) quiet ride as well - unlike the V-6 TRD I drove last week. At 75mph in 5th, I checked the tach and it was well under 2500 RPM - the engine was very quiet at this speed. Anyone got a 2.7L yet, and willing to take 2 minutes to give us real-world mileage info? Too bad the only way to get a regular-height Access Cab or Double Cab Tacoma is to get a 4-cylinder one. I don't want that extra 4.2 inches of height in exchange for only 1.4 inches more ground clearance.

I'd have bought the Silver Mist beauty on the spot, except that it didn't have the VSC and Traction Control that Toyota USA catalogues for this vehicle. This adds only $800 to the price, plus another $50 or so for the required co-option of Daytime Running Lights. Working with the dealer, we put in a Factory Order for it, and we'll see what happens. The dealer's Fleet Manager wasn't encouraging about the chances of it being built, stating that Toyota doesn't usually allow dealers to order vehicles that haven't already been ordered nationally. Maybe I'm nuts, but that $800 will seem cheap compared to an accident that VSC might help me avoid. Add in a push (or tow) that might not be needed; and top it off with increased resale value, and I can't figure out why more people don't step up their insistence on these safety items. For now, I'll await my fate.

For the record, VSC and Traction Control have been Standard Equipment on every Highlander for the past two model years. If enough people asked for these options, more would be made.